First, in her own life. She became the compassionate healer Yukio could only pretend to be with his heart wrapped in steel and his hands that reeked of gunpowder. She became the confident hero Rin fought to be even as new doubts and old wounds gnawed at his easy smile from the shadows.

And then, smiling, she reached back and pulled the brothers along with her. Because they had believed in her when she was weak and crippled with fear. And, she would always believe in them.

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Author's Note: Shiemi is one of the most personally relatable anime/manga characters I've ever encountered, and I've been wanting to write something for her for ages now. Title courtesy Optimustaud. Thanks also to OverObsessedFangirl8804 and Elaine Wesley for the great suggestions.